Gaelic

As an agency which integrates economic and community development, Highlands and Islands Enterprise has a proud record of significant investment in Gaelic to achieve both cultural and economic benefits. Our support has helped create and sustain the impact of numerous organisations which enable Gaelic to flourish – from partner agencies such as Comunn na Gàidhlig and An Comunn Gàidhealach, to the University of the Highlands and Islands including Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, to Fèisean nan Gàidheal and others. This commitment goes back through several decades and is as strong today as it has ever been.

It is important that we also value Gaelic and promote its use within our own organisation. By providing our services, information, resources and opportunities in the medium of Gaelic, we intend to serve our Gaelic-speaking customers as well as possible in their own language. We also aim to signal to non-Gaelic speakers the historic and contemporary value of this unique language, not only for the Highlands and Islands but for all of Scotland.

Ambition is a core characteristic of HIE, and that ambition applies to our approach to Gaelic as much as to any aspect of our work. The actions identified in this Plan demonstrate our commitment to Gaelic and seek to take it to a new level within our organisation and in our dealings with customers. I hope they will inspire other organisations to do the same.